Organ donation up this year in PGIMER

Chandigarh, May 28

The number of organ donation cases in Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has doubled in the first five months of this year compared to the corresponding period in 2015.

PGIMER received 12 cases of brain dead organ donations till May this year as compared to five during the same period last year, a statement released by PGIMER said.

Hoshiarpur resident Dharminder Sondhi showed exceptional courage and magnanimity by consenting to donate the organs of his deceased mother Vimla Devi in PGIMER today, it said.

"Vimla Devi, 70, a native of Shankarnagar, Hoshiarpur, had accidentally fallen at her home after which she was rushed to PGIMER with a brain hemorrhage on May 14. Despite the efforts, doctors could not ensure her recovery," the statement said.

"With the organ donation, at least we will be able to save some other families from the pain and trauma that we are going due to my mother's death," the statement quoted Sondhi as saying.

Nodal Officer, Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation, Dr Vipin Koushal said Vimla Devi's kidneys were used for two patients.

"The government has taken some positive steps regarding organ donation in the region by designating PGIMER as Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation under National Organ and Tissue Transplant Programme," Koushal said. — PTI